NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Orle Marvin Jackson, born June 19, 1942, passed away May 28, 2022, after an extended illness.

He was predeceased by his father Marvin Knapp Jackson and his mother Janette Croswell Jackson.

Orle is survived by two sisters, Carole Jackson of Oneonta New York and Lori Jackson-Wikoff of Otego, New York, a niece, Nichole Lindsley, a brother-in-law, James Wikoff, and long-time friend Steve Shoub.

Orle was raised on a small dairy farm in the small rural town of Otego in upstate New York. He graduated from high school and then attended the State University of New York College at Oneonta where he received his degree in biology. He taught high school biology in Ilion, New York. Wanting to experience new opportunities, he spent a year in Venezuela teaching biology.

After his adventures in South America, he moved to California. Following his continued desire to help people, he headed the Alameda County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program, worked with Pros for Kids, and developed a community food garden.

Moving to Red Bluff, California more than 13 years ago, he immediately engaged in his love of helping people by co-founding and serving as volunteer executive director of Tehama Together, a nonprofit organization aimed at developing programs to improve the lives of those living in and around Red Bluff and Tehama County. He was a frequent community collaborator, convener, volunteer and advocate for food, health related and community initiatives.

Orle played an instrumental role in bringing the 2-1-1 Program to Tehama County, initiating the Community Food Alliance, coordinating food pantries, promoting local gleaning activities and farmers' markets.

Other accomplishments included promoting local farms and ranches and their products through the Farm to Table dinners, establishing the Non-Profit Roundtable and so many other programs to benefit the community. He assisted in capacity building and launching incubator programs such as the Tehama Film Commission, SALT Ranch and many more. Through his leadership, and the volunteers he recruited these programs thrive.

Orle received many awards and recognition for his work, including the Chamber of Commerce Senior Citizen of the Year, the Kiwanis Certificate of Appreciation, and the California State Assembly Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.

Orle loved what he did and enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone. He always found time to listen and provide support wherever he could to friends and family. He will be remembered by his family as a loving and supportive son and brother. His community will remember him as one of the most generous, involved, and forward-thinking organizers of his time.

Orle will be missed by many close friends and those whose lives he touched. We love you Orle and will always remember all that you have accomplished and brought to our lives!

Everyone whose life he touched is invited to a celebration of life to be held at the Red Bluff Community Center at 1500 S. Jackson St., Red Bluff, California, on Saturday, July 16, at 2 p.m.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Orle Jackson Memorial Fund %Tehama Together at 345 Hickory Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080, https://www.facebook.com/tehamatogether for additional questions 530-527-2223.